Can patients with gout take ibuprofen?
Disease description:
I have a chronic condition—gout—and I feel particularly unwell whenever I drink beer. Medications sometimes don’t work very well for me, so I’m considering buying some additional pain relievers. May I ask the doctor: Is it safe to take ibuprofen for gout?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Chunyan
Patients with gout may use ibuprofen under a physician’s guidance. Ibuprofen possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can alleviate the clinical symptoms associated with gouty arthritis. However, ibuprofen does not lower serum uric acid levels; therefore, additional therapies—such as uric acid–lowering agents that promote uric acid metabolism—are required. Ibuprofen capsules are generally taken after meals. Patients should also adhere to a low-purine diet, drink plenty of water, and engage in appropriate physical activity.
